Kirit Somaiya likely to be re-nominated

Mumbai: While the uncertainty over the BJP candidate for the north east Mumbai constituency still continues, the party in all likelihood is expected to announce its nominee just before filing the nomination forms to avoid any hurdles, it is learned.  

The BJP insiders said that the party has almost finalised the name of sitting MP Kirit Somaiya despite fierce opposition from its ally, Shiv Sena. The sitting MP is “most likely” to be re-nominated, however the name will be declared at the last moment, said a senior BJP leader.  

“The proposal for his candidature has already been sent to the party leadership. However, the high command is yet to give its approval. Our assessment is that the leadership is waiting for the right time before his name is announced. I am certain that Somaiya is most likely to get re-nominated,” he said.  

The senior BJP leader’s statement came on the backdrop of the announcement from Shiv Sena MLA Sunil Raut, who caused a flutter by saying that he was ready to contest the election from the north east Mumbai constituency if there was a need.

Sunil, brother of Sena MP Sanjay Raut, said, “In the last three to four years, due to the allegations levelled against our party chief, not only the Sena, but the people of the constituency and all Marathi speaking people are opposing Somaiya. Even if he is given a ticket by mistake, I assure you BJP will lose the seat.”  

He added that any candidate, either from the BJP or the Sena, apart from Somaiya would win the seat because there was immense anger against him not just from the Sena but his own party as well.  

When asked if he would himself contest the election if Mr Somaiya was given a ticket, Mr Sunil said, “A time will not come wherein I will be needed to contest. However, if it does, I am ready.”  

Meanwhile, BJP legislator Prasad Lad called on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence ‘Matoshree’ on Thursday evening to convince him to support Somaiya’s candidature.  

“I spoke to Mr Thackeray about the statement of Sena’s Sunil Raut about contesting the election if Mr Somaiya’s name was announced. Mr Thackeray said that  statements of only those asked to speak officially on behalf of the party should be taken cognisance of,” said Mr Lad.